I found this dress in an outlet shop. It had a broken zip and cost $9!!!

It's a women's size 12, but even with a fixed zip, it isn't really my style. However, I loved the fabric - the print was very sweet and the contrast ruffles and a little bit of lace had real potential. This women's dress with a girly feel could become a pretty dress for one of my girls!It was a very simple process. I cut the skirt off below the waist trim and ripped out the zipper. I inserted the sash at wait level and sewed up the side seam. I then put an elastic casing at the top. The ruffly shoulder straps were shortened and restitched onto the casing.Here's the result:

It was supposed to be a dress for Pippa. However, even with bribery, she refused to model it! I still like the idea of it being Pip's dress - the extra length on her would look sweet. I think I will have to shorten the shoulder straps for her. I always do that - in an attempt to not make things too small/short/tight, I make them too big/long/loose. I must learn to trust my measurements!!!I really enjoyed this project. A $9 investment and an hour of my time. That works for me!!It has also sparked lots of ideas. I have skirts and maternity dresses that I have horded because I love the fabric. I have half finished woollen coats and dresses that I started to make for myself years ago and know I will never finish. Now I can be cleaning out a cupboard and sewing at the same time. I can be making sweet dresses for my girls and not spending any money. That also works for me!

Maryanne

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Who are we?

Maryanne and Caroline are sisters who live in Sydney, Australia. We come from a long line of crafting women, who have all had the desire to create. We hope to continue this family tradition, spark this passion in our children and share it with friends. We run a sewing school where our main focus is to help our students discover the joy of creating beautiful but simple things and the joy that comes from being part of a crafting community.